Maximiliano (Max) Pena, age 75, entered into eternal rest surrounded by his family on June 8, 2017 after a short illness. He was born on March 6, 1942 in Falfurrias, Texas to Maclovio and Maria Lydia Pena. Max was a graduate of Falfurrias High School, Texas A and I Kingsville and Corpus Christi State University. His love for Math directed him to CCISD where he taught for 33 years. In addition, he owned The Math Learning Center, where he tutored students. His true passion for Math led him to invent the Smart Ruler, a Math teaching tool, which he used to tutor students and parents to assist their children with Math. One of his favorite past-times was to see the student's progress in Math and successfully complete the course. He was a little league baseball coach for several years and was an avid sports fan of track and field and football games and events. Growing up, Max was an Altar Server for 12 years and remained a devout Catholic and a man of great faith. Max and Tina prayed the Rosary together daily and were very active in their church and community events.
Always a friend to everyone, Max was cheerful, caring and full of love and compassion, especially to his family. He would extend a helping hand to anyone in need or bring a smile to their face by telling a good joke or story.
Max is survived by the love of his life and his forever sweetheart of 56 years, Tina, three daughters Sandra Guillen (Richard), Sonia Pena of Bedford Texas, and Kathryn Ortiz (Freddy). Two sons, Michael Pena and Manuel Ortiz (Gina). Grandchildren, Lauren Saldana (Michael), Ross Guillen, Brandon and Bryan Ortiz and Evan and Elise Ortiz and his beloved great-granddaughter, Madelyn Rae Saldana. Two brothers, Mario (Esperanza) of Houston, Texas, Laurencio (Linda) of Diamondale, Michigan and sister-in-law, Beatrice Pena of San Antonio, Texas. Sister-in-law, Tomasita V. Bayarena and three brother-in-laws, Gene, Avelino and Raul Villarreal. One aunt, Estella P. Valdez of Wisconsin along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Brian Lee Ortiz, his parents, grandparents, brother Maclovio Pena, Jr. and sister Magdalena Cosby and in-laws Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Villarreal.
Special thanks to the Heart Hospital Staff and Altus Home Hospice Staff, Reverend Jose Salazar, Reverend Ralph Jones and Reverend Anthony.
Visitation will be on Thursday, June 15 th from 5-7pm followed by a Holy Rosary at 7pm at Guardian Funeral Home, 5922 Crosstown, Corpus Christi, Texas 78417.
Funeral Mass will be on Friday, June 16 th at 10am at SS. Cyril Methodius Catholic Church, 3210 S Padre Island Dr. Corpus Christi, Texas 78415.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of San Juan, Mary Mother of the Catholic Church, 1755 Frio St., Corpus Christi, Texas 78417.
A private burial service will be held at Memory Gardens.
Online condolences cam be made at www.guardianfhcremation.com